He's Finished................

It has taken a few weeks but William is now finished. He is definitely a one off and I am quite pleased with the final results. His proportions are a little strange and I am not sure if it is me or the pattern. I followed it precisely but I think his arms are a little too long, I am thinking it all adds to his charm and uniqueness.......what do you think?

Here he is, sporting a hand knitted jumper.


I have really enjoyed the process of making him, this being my first attempt I would be keen to make another one using my own design. I shall have to put it on my to do list...........sometime in the future, me thinks.

William the Bear.........

I have been working on William for a week now and he is taking shape, I hope I will be able to reveal him soon. He is looking pretty snazzy. Just a few finishing off things to do and he will be ready to meet you all.

Ta - Dah......

Ted is finished..........
He looks quite smart I think, he now has new clothes, a pair of pants and a very swanky jumper. Well I thought he deserved a complete makeover, after all, he is nearly fifty. I didn't have a pattern for the jumper so just made it up as I went along, I had a few problems with the shaping for the armholes and neck, but got there in the end.

I decided he needed a nice bag to sleep in, so got the machine out and used up materials from my stash. A very simple drawstring bag.

He looks in good shape and may now live to see another generation grow up.

This has been a lovely project to work on.

I feel so privileged to have been part of "Little Ted's" recovery. I will miss you.

A Little more Progress.........

Slowly but surely Ted is looking better, (at least I think so). He now has velvet paws, claws are being stitched on and he will soon be finished.

On the Mend........

I managed to snatch an hour today to start the repair on Ted. I started by making some paper templates of his paws. I have decided to cover his newly stuffed paws with a layer of felt first, before applying the top layer of brown velvet. I have purposely not overstuffed him as his fur is so worn I do not want to put too much pressure on his already worn out body. He looks better already I think.......

Getting Back to Normal..........

Well the big thaw is on and I am sooooooooo pleased. It is quite amazing how quickly all that snow has begun to melt and so far no problems with all that excess water. It is raining and normally I hate the rain but it is a welcome relief. A few more days and hopefully it may all have vanished. The chickens are liking it too, they are now out, and I have even had a couple of eggs from Jill . Getting back to normal also includes our household, DS2 left on Sunday for the new University term, so we are now down to three.
Also being back to normal will give me a chance to have a look at Ted, I have got some stuffing now for his paws, so I better go and make a start......

I Just want it to Go Now.......

.........and so do the chickens. They have hardly been out for weeks, opting to stay in their house all day. Jill popped out today but was soon heading back into the warmth. We have had another big dump of snow during the night and it took us 2 hours this morning to clear the drive and road in front of the house. The skies are blue now and it looks so picturesque but I just want it to go. I have had enough of the bad road conditions and anxiety of getting to and from work.

I

I spotted these icicles hanging from the conservatory roof, I hope the gutters don't break with all the weight of snow.

I cleared a path to my studio,the snow is so fine and powdery.....

There is talk that provisions are running out in village shops, I have been creative using up lots of the excess food bought for the holidays. DH bought a box of plum tomatoes before Christmas
so before they go off I have been making Tomato Sauce, I just made the recipe up and hoped for the best. This is how it goes.........

Chopped onions
Chopped Red Pepper
Tomatoes
Olive Oil
Thick Balsamic Vinegar
Teaspoon Brown Sugar
Salt, Pepper, Garlic Cloves, Dried Basil

(You need to adjust the amounts, depending on how many tomatoes you have.)

I baked it all in the oven for about 40minutes, at 140*c.
Blitz it in the food processor and voila. Ready for Homemade Pizzas or Pasta sauce. The kids just love it as sauce.

Any finally, Little Ted is still waiting to be repaired, but he is going to have to wait until I can get to the shops to purchase the correct stuffing for his paws.

Keep warm and safe wherever you are...... Posting this fromy my cosy Studio, it is now

-3 degrees outside.

I Have a Visitor...........

I have a visitor, he is called Ted. He belongs to my boss at work, she was given him when she was born, he will be fifty next April. Isn't he so cute, I just love him.

Have you noticed his little feet and paws. Poor old chap has lost his stuffing and his velvet pads. I have been asked if I will be able to repair him. I am so delighted to help this gorgous little Ted in any way I can.

He needs some emergency surgery, which will take place over the coming weeks and I am going to keep you posted on his journey to recovery.